Can Americans Get Legally Married in Costa Rica? Yes. Americans can legally get married in Costa Rica, and the process is more straightforward than most couples expect.

You do not need residency. You do not need to live in the country. There is no mandatory waiting period once documents are approved.

To marry legally in Costa Rica as a U.S. citizen, you’ll need:

– A valid passport (minimum six months validity)
– Apostilled birth certificate
– Apostilled proof of civil status (single, divorced, or widowed) issued within one month of the wedding
– Two adult witnesses with valid ID
– A licensed Costa Rican notary public to officiate

The notary registers your marriage with the Civil Registry. After processing, you receive an official marriage certificate that can be apostilled and translated for recognition in the United States.

I recently photographed a couple from California who were initially planning only a symbolic ceremony because they thought legal paperwork would be complicated. With a local planner and notary, the legal side was handled in advance. On the wedding day, it felt seamless. The documents were signed right after sunset, barefoot on the beach in Guanacaste.

One thing couples often misunderstand is the difference between symbolic and legal ceremonies. A legal ceremony requires the notary and witnesses physically present. A symbolic ceremony can be led by anyone, anywhere, but has no legal standing.

My advice as wedding photographer in Costa Rica: if you want it legally recognized, hire a local planner or law firm early. Costa Rica’s legal system is organized, but documents must be apostilled and translated properly. Mistakes usually happen when couples try to manage everything remotely without guidance.

The process itself is not difficult. The key is preparation.

And once it’s done, your marriage is legally valid worldwide.